[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ben Wallace, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, warned that the likelihood of Russia invading Ukraine is very high, describing the current situation as reminiscent of the atmosphere just before the outbreak of World War II, similar to the 'Munich Agreement.' Although Russia is not overtly showing intentions to invade, it continues to reinforce its troops near the border, raising concerns that, like Nazi Germany in the past, it will eventually start a war.
On the 13th (local time), Secretary Wallace said in an interview with the British media outlet Sunday Times, "If Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, turns off the tank engines, we could all go home, but right now, some in the Western camp feel the atmosphere of the Munich Agreement. President Putin could launch a large-scale invasion of Ukraine at any time," he warned.
The Munich Agreement described by Secretary Wallace was signed in September 1938 in Munich, Germany, where the leaders of four countries?Britain, France, Germany, and Italy?agreed to cede the Sudetenland, a German-inhabited region of Czechoslovakia, to Germany in exchange for guaranteeing Czechoslovakia's borders. Britain and France intended to prevent Germany's forced annexation of Czechoslovakia through this agreement, but Hitler ignored the agreement the following year, forcibly annexed Czechoslovakia, and then invaded Poland, triggering World War II.
Secretary Wallace pointed out, "What is most concerning is that while diplomatic efforts are increasing, Russia's military buildup is not stopping and continues." According to CNN, the Russian forces mobilized near the Ukrainian border number around 130,000, deployed across eastern Ukraine, southern Crimea, and the northern border with Belarus, surrounding Ukraine on three sides.
He also warned that if Russia initiates war, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could also increase its military forces. Secretary Wallace said, "If President Putin decides to invade, he will face unwanted consequences, one of which is the reinforcement of NATO troops on Russia's borders and increased defense spending by NATO member countries," adding, "A war in Europe does not align with China's interests, so Russia cannot rely on China," strongly cautioning.
Furthermore, Secretary Wallace warned that if war breaks out in Ukraine, a rescue operation for British nationals, like in Afghanistan, would be impossible. He added, "Russia possesses formidable air defense capabilities, so once the invasion begins, air routes will be blocked."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
